How to Obtain Copies of Dissertations
Using ProQuest Digital Dissertations and Theses
Digital Dissertations is an electronic database that identifies dissertations and master's theses. The Dissertations are published from 1980 forward and include 350-word abstracts written by the author. The Master's Theses are published from 1988 forward and include 150-word abstracts.
Digital Dissertations offers previews of the first 24 pages of the documents when available. The full-text of many of the dissertations and theses are available for download in PDF format.
Obtaining Complete Copies of Dissertations and Theses
Students may request copies of dissertations and theses in the CMU Libraries collection by submitting a book request through the Document Delivery Office.
Digital Dissertations provides a variety of ordering options directly to users, including purchase of electronic, paper, and/or microform copies of dissertations and theses. OCLS will not reimburse students for the costs of obtaining dissertations and theses directly through ProQuest.
Copies of dissertations and theses that are not in the CMU Libraries collection may be requested through the Document Delivery Office; however, these requests are subject to the following restrictions:
1) You must state in the "additional information" area of the request form that you wish Document Delivery to obtain the dissertation/thesis through Interlibrary Loan;
2) You must indicate a "not needed after date" of at least 4 weeks from the time of your request (for example, if you place a request on 8/29/2004, the "not needed after date" must be 9/29/2004 or later).
Please note: If the Document Delivery Office determines that a copy of the requested dissertation/thesis must be purchased in order to fill your request, a staff member will contact you before proceeding in order to confirm that the material is still needed.
